Key Takeaways:
- A deadly winter storm has brought extremely cold weather to the United States, affecting areas from Texas to New England.
- The storm has caused widespread power outages, with over 760,000 homes and businesses still without power as of Monday morning.
- At least 13 deaths have been reported amid the storm, with cold temperatures and wind chills expected to linger into late January.
- Heavy snow and ice are forecast to continue, with some areas expecting up to 18 inches of snow and "catastrophic ice impacts".
- Travel disruptions and school closures are widespread, with over 10,900 flights canceled and many schools moving to remote learning.
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The United States is experiencing a severe winter storm that has brought extremely cold weather to a large swath of the country, from Texas to New England. The storm has already caused significant disruptions, including widespread power outages, travel disruptions, and school closures. As of Monday morning, over 760,000 homes and businesses were still without power, and at least 13 deaths have been reported amid the storm. The National Weather Service has warned of "bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills" that will continue to impact millions of Americans into late January.
Storm Impacts and Forecast
The storm has already dumped sleet, freezing rain, and snow over much of the country, with heavy snow forecast to continue from the Ohio Valley to the Northeast. The National Weather Service has predicted "catastrophic ice impacts" that will likely result in extended power outages. The weather service has also warned of "prolonged hazardous travel and infrastructure impacts" through the week, with dangerous wind chills as low as 50 degrees below zero and below-normal temperatures expected to continue into early February. The cold temperatures and wind chills bring a life-threatening risk of hypothermia and frostbite, which could be heightened by prolonged power outages.
Power Outages and Travel Disruptions
The storm has caused widespread power outages, with over 760,000 homes and businesses still without power as of Monday morning. The states reporting the most power outages were Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Travel disruptions are also widespread, with over 10,900 flights canceled and many schools moving to remote learning. The largest number of flight cancellations across the nation since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic was reported on Sunday, according to available data. Many schools have canceled classes or moved to remote learning operations, including schools in New York City, Texas, and Philadelphia.
Deaths and Injuries
At least 13 deaths have been reported amid the storm, with cold temperatures and wind chills expected to linger into late January. Two men in northwest Louisiana died of hypothermia related to the winter storm, and at least five people were found outside in New York City over the weekend. The cause of their deaths remained under investigation. A major crash on Interstate 10 in Kimble County, Texas, shut the highway down for several hours late Saturday, resulting in one death and eight injuries. A 17-year-old boy died in a sledding incident in central Arkansas, and the bodies of a missing University of Michigan student and a Kansas woman were found in extreme cold conditions.
School Closures and State Office Closures
Many schools have canceled classes or moved to remote learning operations, including schools in New York City, Texas, and Philadelphia. At least four states – Kentucky, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey – announced on Sunday that all state offices will be closed on Monday. Schools in major cities across the country have canceled classes or moved to remote learning operations as the work week begins. In New York City, officials said school buildings are closed and classes will be conducted remotely on Monday. In Texas, the Houston Independent School District and Dallas Independent School District announced schools and facilities will be closed on Monday.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
The winter storm has brought significant disruptions to the United States, with extremely cold weather, power outages, and travel disruptions affecting millions of Americans. The National Weather Service has warned of continued "bitterly cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chills" that will linger into late January. It is essential for individuals to follow guidance from local officials and take necessary precautions to stay safe during this severe winter storm. As the storm continues to impact the country, it is crucial to stay informed about the latest developments and to prioritize safety above all else.